The 2025 global economic outlook is clouded by deep uncertainty

Amid trade tensions and a rise in nationalism, the world’s chief economists are unanimous in predicting a poor year for the global economy. It’s not all bad news, though: the rise of AI adds opportunity as well as disruption, while a reshuffle in global geopolitics could allow more marginal markets to shape their own destinies.

In this interview, Aengus Collins, the World Economic Forum’s Head of Economic Growth, Revival and Transformation, talks you through the key findings of the Chief Economists Outlook: May 2025.

The latest Chief Economists Outlook reveals a stark picture: uncertainty in the global economy is at record levels. Much of this stems from recent political shifts—particularly moves by the new US administration in April—that have disrupted expectations and pushed indicators of economic uncertainty off the charts.